King Charles’s doctors are ‘optimistic’ about his ‘sophisticated treatment’

Buckingham Palace released a new photo of King Charles for Maundy Thursday, which we discussed yesterday. People were really surprised that this was an authorized palace photo and that little palace elves didn’t go to work on this image to make Charles look a bit healthier. You know why that is, though? Buckingham Palace doesn’t want to get caught manipulating photos like Kensington Palace. BP knew this photo would cause concern but they released it anyway, in the spirit of “oh well, at least we’re not lying unlike some people we could mention.” The Times noted that Charles looked “more gaunt” than usual and there were some concerned comments online. Some outlets (including us!) even published the side-by-side comparison between this pic and Charles’s desk photo from the day after his mother died, in September 2022. Same desk, different staging. Buckingham Palace is also doing the most to talk up Charles’s progress:

King Charles is “positive” about his cancer treatment. The King’s team is said to be thinking about a summer schedule for the monarch, 75, amid “amplified confidence” in light of the sophisticated treatment he is receiving, a royal source tells PEOPLE.

The King is “progressing well” in his treatment, a source close to the royal household says. The royal source adds, “He is positive, the doctors are optimistic.”

The source adds that King Charles has not been “operationally constrained” so far and Buckingham Palace is planning for “a summer diary.” However, his team won’t commit to any engagements and will rely on “medical advice nearer the time.”

The King’s outings and engagements have been restricted to small numbers of people since the palace revealed his diagnosis on Feb. 5, However, towards the summer when the risk of airborne illnesses eases, more engagements could happen outside – such as Trooping the Colour, the annual public celebration of the monarch’s birthday which will take place on June 15.

“There could be a slow increase of numbers of people they are able to meet indoors,” the source adds. A second source shared that King Charles’ team is “planning as usual.”

“One thing that has been wholly undiminished is his appetite for work,” the royal source added.

[From People]

BP has been heavily pushing the “Charles is still in charge” line for weeks, but it’s gotten even louder ever since Kate’s cancer-announcement video. My theory is still that Buckingham Palace seems to have finally taken over the messaging for KP, and/or they’ve cleaned up William’s mess behind the scenes. Whatever has happened, no one expects to see William for weeks and no one expects to see Kate for months. It’s now the Charles and Camilla Show, come hell or high water. I’m also curious about this “sophisticated treatment” Charles is receiving. I hope it’s medically sound, because Charles is a well-known lover of alternative medicine. Sausage-fingers crossed that Charles’s sophisticated treatment isn’t just berries, vitamin C and tree bark.

Photos courtesy of Avalon Red.

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54 Responses to “King Charles’s doctors are ‘optimistic’ about his ‘sophisticated treatment’”

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  1. Tessa says:

    Why is William gone for weeks I doubt he’s with Kate. It’s amazing how some on the UK continues to support them

    • BlueNailsBetty says:

      Agreed. I doubt William is with Kate or the children.

      So while KP has done its best to point us to Kate and that whole debacle the real question has always been: Where is William? Why isn’t he working? Why isn’t he in contact with his family or the king?

  2. equality says:

    What I find interesting is that this is what he has decided for himself in staying away from events, but QE was trotted out and propped up. Of course, they didn’t disclose at the time that she had cancer, but wouldn’t keeping her from any secondary illnesses have been just as important? And still none of them wear masks when around anybody. It doesn’t necessarily take a crowd to give you something. He has been pictured still shaking hands and meeting with the PM.

    • bisynaptic says:

      Agreed. This points up when Harry said he wanted to make sure his grandmother had the right people around her. They still can’t get it right.

  3. Funny you should mention tree bark. One of the meds they used for my her2 breast cancer treatment is from the sap I believe from a yew tree. I took that once a month for a year. I think Chuckles will probably combine regular and holistic medicine for his cancer.

    • Nmb says:

      The source might be sap from a tree but the chemists are really just isolating some compounds from
      It. My husband is a medicinal chemist and at one point he was taking something from broccoli to put in a cancer drug. It’s not like they’re taking broccoli and crushing it up. He explained scientifically what they do, but I can’t remember enough to explain it. I’m not a scientist; I’m an English teacher, haha.

      • Yes I’m well aware that they don’t just take sap from a tree and infuse it into you. I was making the point that medicine comes from many things.

      • ML says:

        https://www.breastcancer.org/managing-life/diet-nutrition/dietary-supplements/known/yew#

        Probably yew twigs, SusanCollins? I hope you are cancer free!

        Edit: you said yew. I’m blind. I’m glad it helped you.

      • Snrub says:

        Cancer treatment Taxol was originally found in yews. It is a plant defense compound and now is synthesized and made in labs for use. Many medications have plant defense origins (aspirin from willow bark, etc) but they’ve been synthesized in labs for use due to volume needs and to reduce the risk of cross contamination.

      • ML. Yep that’s the stuff. Who knew that yew sap and its contents could be so beneficial. Truly amazing the stuff that is used.

      • NotSoSocialB says:

        Hi, Nmb-
        Perhaps you are thinking of Di-indolyl methane from cruciferous vegetables? This chemical interferes with estrogen binding for those specific cancer types. I’ve been taking a DIM/EGCG/lutein supplement and getting minimum 4kiu d3 for decades. Due to familial risk, I have yearly mammograms and every other year MRI breast scans with gadolinium. So far, so good! Maybe it’s hogwash, maybe it’s a talisman, maybe it does nothing/ placebo, or maybe it actually has a biological influence, IDK. I would never whole cloth deny western medicine, but i’d always look for any kind of benefit I could find. I think everything we need to survive is here and has evolved alongside us for a reason.

    • Emf999 says:

      Willow bark is similar to aspirin.
      Many years ago when I lived at home in Ireland, my dentist used seaweed (honest to God) after I had wisdom teeth removed. Apparently seaweed is very good for oral health. 🤷🏻‍♀️

      • We derive lots of medicine from nature. It’s amazing all the things that they use.

      • Digital Unicorn says:

        I had a dentist who once said that you can brush your teeth with just tea tree oil and thats is better than toothpaste / mouthwash.

        I used to use myrrh tincture as a mouthwash – I’d put a few drops into water thats in a glass jar (how much depends on the size of the jar). Very good for dealing with stinky breath as well as gum issues.

      • Underhill says:

        I believe seaweed has a gentle clotting agent within it and iodine, from the sea, which inhibits infection. Seaweed has been used to bind wounds for centuries.

    • windyriver says:

      For those historically minded and interested in the medicinal uses of plants, I recommend American Eden, the biography of Dr. David Hosack, by Victoria Johnson. A physician who was close friends with Alexander Hamilton, he was also friends with Aaron Burr, and was present at their infamous duel. He went on to establish the first botanical garden in America, primarily to investigate and teach about the uses of plants for healing purposes. His Elgin Botanical Garden (circa 1810) was established in the wilds of Manhattan; the site that now lies beneath part of Rockefeller Center.

      https://wwnorton.com/books/9781631496011

      For anyone who listens to the Bowery Boys podcasts, Johnson is interviewed in Episode #297: Dr. Hosack’s Enchanted Garden.

    • BeanieBean says:

      Specifically the Pacific yew (for Taxol). I worked on a Forest that carefully controlled the permit system for the collection of the bark–’cause you don’t want to kill the tree when debarking it. There were specs put in place for the permittees.

  4. PunkyMomma says:

    It’s the fit of his clothing that tells the story. This man has been absolutely impeccably tailored his entire life— he’s lost body mass and his clothing doesn’t hide it.

    This recent pic reminds me of a pic released by BP of the late queen perhaps a year prior to her passing. It was clearly evident that QEII was ill by the poor fit of her dress (specifically in the shoulder/ upper chest area). I see the same in KCIII.

    • molly says:

      I noticed that too. His clothes never, ever hung like that.

      I also noticed his hands and fingers were actually normal-sized for the first time in years. Look at those knuckle creases!

  5. ML says:

    I’m still (reluctantly) impressed by BP’s PR. Showing KC going through cancer (and whatever else) and not fluffing it up to make it look better is sound messaging. Also, using consecutive photos and consistent “appearances” in the news builds a connection. This is really sympathetic, not necessarily something KC is known for. And I also appreciate this, “However, towards the summer when the risk of airborne illnesses eases, more engagements could happen outside…” Anyone who has immunocompromised loved ones knows exactly what that entails.

  6. Lauren says:

    I’m curious what the ‘sophisticated’ treatment is too – I’m guessing he’d be getting the best of the best. Maybe a personalised cancer immunotherapy / type of mrna vaccine? Is this type if treatment being used in the UK?

    • SarahCS says:

      It may be a subtle way to reassure people he’s not just using homeopathy or similar.

    • Roan Inish says:

      Maybe Keytruda? My friends husband had pancreatic cancer and Keytruda was a miracle drug that cured his Stage IV cancer. He started with chemo and later it was Keytruda.

  7. sevenblue says:

    We can have HQ pictures of Charles, but when Kate is in front of any camera, the tech is suspiciously from 90’s.

    • BlueNailsBetty says:

      Right? When they take pictures of Charles they use the most expensive high tech camera available and a professional photographer.

      When they take pictures/videos of Kate they just grab a potato and hand it to whoever is near.

    • ML says:

      Respectfully, I disagree that KP is using 90’s tech or potatoes. We’ve had photoshop, mobiles, a studio known for AI usage and will probably have satellite images next. All of this is more newfangled than what was available decades ago or what vegetables are capable of doing.

      • CatMum says:

        true. so why then are all of these recent Kate images so blurry? every single one, including the bench video. did they get dust on the lense and not notice?

  8. Lily says:

    I am genuinely trying to figure out if Kate is very seriously ill and everyone is freaking out or Charles is far more ill than they’re letting on and Kate has virtually recovered physically but both her and William are super anxious that they’re gonna become King and Queen way earlier than they originally thought, so are acting up and refusing to comply. Because the way they’ve been acting lately, those are the only two valid options imo!

    • molly says:

      Time will tell, but yes, I’m very curious too.

      Something like stage 1 breast or testicular cancer is often easier to detect, treat, remove, etc. Anything in a women’s abdomen (digestive, reproductive) gets a lot more dicey. You’re not exactly finding a lump in the shower with ovarian cancer.

  9. Bettyrose says:

    I completely forgot that Charles is in treatment amidst the media insanity. Why is this rollout of information subdued but trustworthy? Many details we don’t know, but there doesn’t appear to be any obfuscation.

  10. Cessily says:

    Whatever treatment he is getting it looks rough, I have wondered if his cancer is much worse than they have disclosed. I actually thought that might be one of the reasons they let Willy run loose until it became to much of a disaster.

  11. Mrs. Smith says:

    I’m glad BP wants to keep their hands clean with an unaltered photo…but what about adding a little bronzer or a less ghastly shade of powder to his face? Even a light touch would go a long way to help him look “his best” and still be authentic. That’s not cheating, it’s just makeup. Why BP is opting not to do that is a mystery.

    • SarahCS says:

      My understanding is that most of the people who work for them do it for the prestige not that pay/more typical reasons and the level of capability they attract reflects this.

  12. Brassy Rebel says:

    Considering that they hid QEII’s bone cancer diagnosis till months after she died, I will continue to take everything they say about Charles’ health with a huge grain of 🧂. Fool me once…

  13. Robin Samuels says:

    Charles can afford to purchase suits to fit his body. Wearing the old suits which are now I’ll-fitting isn’t helping. His thinning hair is probably due to chemical treatment. Bottom line, he collaborated with William to dim the light surrounding a hardworking couple. They went too far and I’m not sure they can fix it.

  14. TIFFANY says:

    If you told me that picture on the right was of Philip in the last years of his life, I would believe you.

  15. maisie says:

    If it’s pancreatic, as I’ve seen alleged a number of times, there’s promise with “microwave ablation” treatment. It’s notoriously resistant to chemotherapy, surgery can only prolong survival for a time. It’s generally considered the most treatment resistant and fatal of solid cancers.

    In any case, if that’s what it is, treatment buys time, there is no cure. He might get a year. Kate, IMO is done. She tapped out. we won’t see her doing events again. I wouldn’t blame her, really.

    • Alice B. Tokeless says:

      I lost a friend to it in 2016 (54F), and another this past summer (48F). From what I’ve learned, unless caught during other procedures–as it seems happened with KC–it is almost never survivable. Sadly, by the time there are symptoms (abdominal pain/cramping), it’s too late. The friend I lost last summer had discomfort and some pain; she didn’t ignore it and made an appointment right away. One year from diagnosis to her passing. It’s insidious and horribly aggressive.

  16. Mary Pester says:

    Charles is as “healthy” as I am!!!

  17. Andrea says:

    He does look gaunter (and his makeup artist needs to blend down below his collar!) but so far he seems to be well within the bounds of “normal chemo effects.” It’s a tough regimen even when your prognosis is amazing and it does take time to recover–and he’s apparently not even finished yet.

  18. Just Chelle says:

    The words “sophisticated treatment” immediately bring to mind the types of treatments Steve Jobs opted for when he was diagnosed. After discovering the “natural” treatments weren’t working, he chose to go with more conventional treatment, but it was too late (thus proving money can’t buy *everything*).

    After watching so many loved ones go through hell with chemo and/or radiation, I definitely understand the desire to try anything *other* than chemo and/or radiation! But experimental or “boutique” treatment results aren’t particularly successful, especially with the elderly.

    Charles is a horrible man. But, I can’t help but feel sympathy for him. *No one* deserves to suffer with cancer. Fuck cancer.

    • BeanieBean says:

      A friend went to Mexico for alternative treatments for her breast cancer (this was after trying the standard options). They sounded as brutal as standard treatments. She felt better, though. For a while. And then it came roaring back. She tried a second time, but, well, that was that, I’m afraid. Still miss her. But whatever course of treatment a person makes, it’s that person’s decision and it will be the right one at the time. It’s not fair to second-guess anyone’s choices.

  19. olivia says:

    “berries, vitamin C and tree bark.” is a very polite way for “coffee enemas” because that is exactly what Charlie believed/s.

    Charlie believed that “…cancer was the symptom of a diseased, polluted body in which tumours form when the liver, pancreas and other organs are out of balance, and reasoned that animal and dairy products and other chemicals must be banned. ”
    ie The plebs who can’t always afford the absolute best quality of organic, free-range, unpolluted products were allowing for cancer to happen to them. In his mind, he was pristine and this would never ever happen to him.
    He also pushed vociferously for the NHS to support and push more of this alternative medicine instead of proper treatments for the subjects of UK.

    I have zero sympathies.

    I have quoted an article from 2004 on the subject.
    https://www.theguardian.com/society/2004/jun/27/themonarchy.medicineandhealth

  20. ElleE says:

    The quote about his “Summer schedule” jumped out as ominous?

    In one sense, they’re giving a nebulous timeline about when they expect him to resume some duties. Ok.

    For some reason when I read it, I thought “he is living his life week-to-week” which is probably also true.

    Charles’ condition could be the rumored stage 4…

    • BeanieBean says:

      What I found interesting was the implication that what his does–the events he attends, the charities he supports–is at the call of his staff, it’s not originating with him. I just find that fascinating.

  21. Dylan says:

    My oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston has stage IV pancreatic cancer. His latest treatment has left him with a horrible rash across his face.

  22. Linda says:

    Seems there are some artfully placed accessories and flowers in the foreground. You can barely see his hands. He really does not look well at all.